Ruling AKP, MHP and BBP file a criminal complaint against journalist Ayşenur Arslan

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The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), its ally Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) and Great Unity Party (BBP) have filed criminal complaints against journalist and TV presenter Ayşenur Arslan.

Speaking about the killing of 'betting and casino tycoon' Halil Falyalı in an armed attack in Northern Cyprus, Ayşenur Arslan, presenting the "Medya Mahallesi" (Media Neighborhood) program on pro-opposition Halk TV, was targeted on social media and by some government officials over her remarks about the "Turkish Resistance Organization" (TMT).

While the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), the media watchdog of Turkey, has also launched an inquiry against Halk TV over her words, the three parties have now taken legal action against the journalist, requesting her penalization on charge of "degrading the nation, the State of the Republic of Turkey and the institutions and bodies of the state" as per the Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code (TCK).

The petitions of criminal complaint have been reportedly submitted to the Ankara prosecutor's office in the capital city by lawyer Muhammer Cemaloğlu on behalf of the AKP, by lawyer Kürşat Türker Ercan on behalf of the MHP and by lawyer Zekai Yiğit on behalf of the MHP.

In their petitions, the three political parties have indicated that "the TMT, which Ayşenur Arslan mentioned in her speech on Halk TV, was established with the support of Turkey for the struggle of the Turkish Cypriot community against the EOKA, an organization which massacred hundreds of people, and has been the symbol of rightful and legitimate resistance."

What happened?

After she spoke about the killing of Halil Falyalı in Cyprus on her program "Medya Mahallesi" (Media Neighborhood) at pro-opposition Halk TV, journalist Ayşenur Arslan was targeted on social media over her remarks about the killing of the 'betting and casino tycoon'.

Referring to the "Turkish Resistance Organization" (TMT), Arslan said, "Halil Falyalı used to introduce himself as a member of the Turkish Resistance Organization. The TMT was a... let's say, illegal and semi-legal entity known for assassinations on the Island and its close hinterland."

She was targeted on social media over these remarks.

After politicians and officials such as Minister of Foreign Affairs Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) Spokesperson Ömer Çelik criticized Arslan, the Radio and Television Supreme Council (RTÜK), the media watchdog of Turkey, has launched an inquiry against the Halk TV. It has been announced by RTÜK Chair Ebubekir Şahin. (HA/SD)